Forget the fast pace of “fast decoration”. Original, responsible, and made in France: these three brands prove that beautiful decoration doesn’t have to come from the other side of the world to remain affordable.
A certain idea of decoration. Like our wardrobes, house decoration is also overwhelmed with products from a production model based on fast fashion. To change interior decoration as well as seasonal decorations, cheap prices often prevail over originality and quality. And yet, in this era of “made in China”, beautiful French brands also make their mark.
Manufactured in France, they embody the know-how of “made in France” and have everything to seduce lovers of the French art of living. Rest assured: there is something for every taste and budget.
Display the beauty of nature with Longue-vue
Far from the mainstream posters found on the walls of many homes and apartments around the world, there is Longue-vue, a proud Nantes-based company of naturalistic images born from the artisanal and editorial expertise of Gulf stream publisher (founded in 1984). The illustrations are hand-drawn by French illustrators who, through their drawings, stimulate curiosity and open up discovery of living things through drawings of plants, animals, insects, or themes related to the sea, with boards dedicated to lighthouses and underwater environments.
Through 700 creations with soft and realistic colors, Longue-vue stands out for its responsible positioning with 100% locally made in France production.
Each product is designed and made in France, respecting the environment with sustainable materials, respectful inks, and all within short supply chains. “The artists are fully involved in the project: their names appear on each creation, and they are remunerated for each sale – a strong commitment to a creative and fair economy. Through its images, Longue-vue values natural and cultural heritage in all its diversity. Its ambition: to cultivate wonder, nurture knowledge, and inspire respect for living things,” proudly claims the Nantes-based company.
Designed as a gateway to the knowledge of living things, these framed posters or postcards find their place in a living room and create a cabinet of curiosities atmosphere, in a beautiful library, or in cozy rooms.
In terms of prices, Longue-vue can make the biggest fast decoration brands blush: expect 2 euros for a beautiful postcard and starting from 16 euros for a poster.
Bring the ocean to your table with Malakio
Founded in 2020 by Morgan and Hugo Kermarrec, Malakio was born from a simple idea: recycling oyster shells into composite materials to create designer objects. It may sound surprising, and yet it is! Malakio’s composite material is made up of 60% recycled shells and 40% mineral matrix. It dries in the open air, without machines or cooking, and relies on locally collected shells, giving it a very low carbon footprint.
The material offers almost unlimited customization: various granulations, natural pigments made in France, and a tailor-made palette of colors adapted to each project. After initial success during Christmas, the company moved to Nantes in 2021 and quickly expanded with the release of new products, multiple collaborations, and beautiful innovations. Today, the team has about ten employees and Malakio continues to grow with the ambition to transform the design sector sustainably.
Result: a multitude of decorative pieces, from bookends to trays, beautiful vases or candle holders, but also kitchen utensils, lamps, and even furniture pieces all 100% made in Nantes and all at affordable prices!
Showcase the beauty of French craftsmanship with the Manufacture des Emaux de Longwy
It is one of the most beautiful houses in the French ceramic industry. Bringing the Manufacture des Emaux de Longwy into your home is both a celebration of French craftsmanship and acquiring an exceptional piece of art.
The Faïencerie de Longwy, founded in 1798 by the Boch family in an old convent, owes its reputation in particular to an order from Napoleon 1st (tableware for the Imperial Houses of the Legion of Honor). Acquired in 1835 by the d’Huart family, it underwent a decisive turn around 1870 with the invention of cloisonné enamels on ceramics, inspired by oriental techniques. The Art Deco era then marked a flourishing period, culminating in the 1925 Universal Exhibition. After an artistic revival in recent decades, the manufacture, whose pieces are all certified, has been pursuing its adventure since 2015 with the Emblem group, committed to preserving traditional craftsmanship.
Throughout its history, in addition to its in-house creations, the Manufacture has been able to call on artists and designers to create inspired decors. Whether you like classic, Art Deco style, or succumb to more modern collaborations, the Manufacture des Emaux de Longwy has what it takes to decorate your interior in 100% French style.
Iconic spherical vase of the house, perfume diffuser, candle pot, bowl, lamp, and even Christmas bauble, the choice and diversity of shapes and colors are abundant. Of course, the prices are not those of large chains that produce on the other side of the world, but for a work, a know-how, and a small piece of heritage to admire at home day after day, the pieces are relatively affordable. And with a real touch of charm.
